Penny began her career with Aladdin over four decades ago, so it is safe to say that her legacy will live on for generations to come.

Growing up in rural Illinois in a farming family, Penny’s first job was detasseling corn. When the time came for her to transition into the corporate world, she chose to start with Aladdin Steel—and stayed with us for an incredible 40 years and 8 months!

Her first role at Aladdin Steel was Procurement Assistant, where she learned the fundamentals of buying carbon steel tubing and pipe. As her career progressed, it quickly became clear that she was capable of so much more. Thus began her path to her most recent role as Procurement Manager.

As Procurement Manager, Penny’s knowledge of the carbon steel tubing and pipe products we sell is second to none. At any moment, you could ask her a question about size, strength, finish—or even something completely random—and she would provide an answer without hesitation. She shared this wisdom generously with her team, teaching them in a way that ensured true understanding of the products they worked with rather than simply providing answers. It was very important to Penny that her team understood the why behind the what, allowing their conversations with purchasing partners to be meaningful and productive.

Our ability to provide quick turnaround times for our customers is largely due to the processes Penny implemented during her leadership. She joined Aladdin when much of the work was done with pen and paper, and conversations were primarily held over the phone. Alongside her fellow members of the Senior Leadership Team, Penny helped guide the Procurement Department through numerous digital and technological advancements, keeping Aladdin Steel at the forefront of the steel industry.

Most recently, Aladdin successfully transitioned to an entirely new ERP system, allowing for universal tracking of orders from the moment a customer places an order until it arrives at their facility. Penny and her team dedicated countless hours to ensuring every piece of inventory was accurately logged in the system. Company-wide, we then worked together to verify that each item Penny ordered was in its correct location, with accurate length, OD, and wall size. Thanks in large part to Penny’s attention to detail, this massive undertaking was completed in just two days.

In addition to her meticulous dedication to accuracy, Penny excelled in her role because of her ability to build and maintain strong relationships. When asked about a company we were purchasing steel from, Penny could identify her contact not only by name, but with a genuine appreciation for who they were as a person. Likewise, when our steel partners speak of Penny, she receives nothing but compliments—she is simply the kind of person people enjoy working with.

While we will certainly miss seeing Penny every day, we are thrilled for her to enjoy the retirement she has so thoroughly earned. During her time with Aladdin, Penny represented the company in many golf tournaments. Now, she can spend as much time on the green as she likes!

Penny representing Aladdin Steel, LLC with her teams at the Association of Women in the Metal Industries Golf Tournaments in 2024 and 2025!

Penny—we wish you nothing but unending joy, health, and happiness in your retirement. You will be deeply missed.

Click here to take a moment to wish Penny well in her retirement!